Library expansion plan includes adjustments

Thursday July 19, 2012 | By:Christopher Gordon | News

HAMBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY

With a grant application for a possible expansion due by the end of August, Hamburg Town Supervisor Steven Walters said Monday (July 16) that plans have been altered, albeit for the time being, as an agreement has to be reached to purchase property of land from the Elderwood Estates.

“The big difference is the driveway is gone off Buffalo Street,” Walters said.

Under the updated plan, there would only be a pedestrian walkway off Buffalo Street and not a driveway.

However, Walters noted that the plan can be altered at any time to allow for a driveway. This change is being made because the due date for the grant application for the estimated $2 million project is drawing near.

There are also a couple of other amenities that would be moved under the updated plan, including altering the location of the wheelchair ramp entrance. Overall, the plan is largely what was presented earlier this spring.

According to Walters, the next step will involve getting construction estimates to be included with the grant application.

“That’s required for the grant,” Walters said.

Once a grant is approved, a request for proposal must still be sent out in order get formal bids on the project, Walters said.

The supervisor added the library would remain open throughout the majority of the project, but might close “a day or two here and there.”

Also on Monday, a public hearing was held in regards to a rezoning request by Suburban Adult Services, Inc., who are seeking to rezone property “abutting, and west of 3050 Abbott Road” from C-2 (Commercial) to an NC (Neighborhood Commercial District).

“This is a rezoning with a specific project in mind,” said Andrew Reilly, Town of Hamburg planning consultant.

SASi is seeking to build 12 apartments, but need a zoning change in order to be able to do so. Itwould back up to rear yards along Willet Road.

Tony Annunziato, executive director for SASi, said the proposed apartments are independent living units for people with disabilities.

He said most of the individuals who live there would be “fairly independent” and most tenants will have a job.

While there is a plot of land adjacent that could be developed down the line into more apartments for SASi, There are no plans to build additional apartments at this time.

Funding for the project would be through Housing and Urban Development and applicants must be at least age 21 and have an annual income of at least $20,450 in order to qualify for an apartment.